It’s hard to believe decades have passed since Three’s Company lit up our TV screens, yet the laughter it brought still rings loud in our hearts. This iconic sitcom not only redefined the genre but also gave us some of the most memorable moments in television history. Recently, Joyce DeWitt shared candid insights into what made the show so special, confirming many of our long-held suspicions about its success.

With its comedic mix-ups, loveable characters, and brilliant performances by John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company remains a beloved piece of American pop culture. The fact that it’s been 40 years since the series finale aired feels unreal, considering how its humor still resonates with viewers today. Watching the old intro, especially scenes filmed at Santa Monica Pier, instantly transports you back to a simpler time.

Sadly, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers are no longer with us, but their contributions to the show live on. Fortunately, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the spirit of Three’s Company alive by sharing her stories and memories from the series. In an interview with US Weekly, DeWitt reflected on how much the show meant to so many: “The most dear, precious, tender – and utterly unexpected – experiences from working on Three’s Company are the many adults who’ve told me it was a safe haven for them during their teen years. For some, it was the only safe haven.”

DeWitt’s role as Janet Wood made her a household name, starring in 171 episodes between 1976 and 1984. “It was such a gift,” she told The Spec. “I mean, it was iconic, but who would’ve thought it? We were just trying to make people laugh. At its core, the show was a modern take on a 16th-century farce, with silliness running wild. Sure, we tackled serious issues, but they were always hidden beneath the humor.”

She fondly recalled how John Ritter used to say, “We don’t just want people to laugh; we want them to fall over their couches laughing.” But beyond the comedy, DeWitt believes it was the friendship and love between the characters that kept audiences coming back. “That’s what drew people to them.”

Following the show’s end, DeWitt stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade. Even though she’s had other achievements, most fans will forever associate her with Three’s Company. And for good reason, she explained: “It was a ‘time out’ from the hard, oppressive challenges of their young lives. The characters did crazy, stupid things that made them laugh, but it was the love and support among the characters that made them lifelong fans.”

However, behind the laughter, there were some darker moments on set. While Suzanne Somers became famous for her role as the “dumb blonde,” her fight for equal pay led to tensions with her co-stars. Somers demanded a significant raise, and the resulting conflict strained her relationship with DeWitt. This once joyful set turned hostile as Somers was ultimately fired after season five. For over 30 years, Somers and DeWitt didn’t speak.

In 2012, however, the two actresses finally reconciled on Somers’ talk show, Breaking Through. The emotional reunion saw them share a heartfelt hug and reflect on their past. DeWitt praised Somers for her strength, saying, “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down, but what you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.” Their reunion was a beautiful reminder of the healing power of forgiveness.

The bond between the two women remained strong until Somers’ untimely death in 2023. Reflecting on the loss, DeWitt spoke fondly of both Somers and Ritter, calling them gifts to the world of television.

As we look back at Three’s Company and those early days on set, we are reminded of the laughter, love, and legacy left behind by its cast. Three’s Company wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone that brought joy to millions and will continue to do so for years to come.

Rest in peace, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers—you are gone but never forgotten.